Today, The Cyclists of Gitchee Gummee Shores, the City of Duluth and the International Mountain Biking Association held the grand opening of Mission Creek Trail- a brand new six mile trail, and 3 and half miles of new trail in the Lester Park area.

The groups have successfully completed Phase One of the Duluth Traverse Trail System, which was funded by a $250,000 state of Minnesota Legacy Grant.

The Cyclists of Gitchee Gummee Shores hope to have one hundred miles of connecting bike trails built by the end of next year.

They hope by the end of this year to have that project 70 percent complete.

Officials say the new trails will bring new life to Duluth.

"One, connecting neighborhoods via natural trails so its getting people out to be physically active. It's allowing people connection with nature, both which really improve quality of life and then secondly, it's giving people a compelling reason to come visit Duluth or come live in Duluth.

$800,000 has been spent on the project so far in the last four years, including an annual $100,000 contribution from the city of Duluth.